Dive into the fascinating history of the Mecklenburg region and discover how to trace your ancestral roots with expert guidance. This presentation will begin with a journey through the historic landscape of two Mecklenburgs – Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz – highlighting their cultural and political development over the centuries. We will explore a wealth of genealogical resources, both online and in archives, that can help you uncover your family’s past. Special emphasis will be placed on church records, civil records, and the Mecklenburg census. But you will also learn about special sources off the beaten path, such as family records and emigration documents. Whether you’re just beginning your genealogical journey or looking for new avenues of research, this presentation will provide valuable insights and strategies to help you piece together your Mecklenburg heritage.
Discovering ancestral roots in Northern Germany can be both rewarding and challenging, and this webinar by Andrea Bentschneider, presented during the Webtember conference, sheds invaluable light on researching family history in Mecklenburg. Known for its complex political past, extensive emigration, and unique record-keeping traditions, Mecklenburg offers rich opportunities for genealogical research. Bentschneider provides historical context, introduces critical archives and record sets, and shares practical tips that equip genealogists to uncover their ancestors’ lives in this region. Even those without Mecklenburg ancestry will find useful strategies applicable to broader German research.
Historical Context Shapes the Records
Mecklenburg’s division into two duchies—Mecklenburg-Schwerin and Mecklenburg-Strelitz—created differing administrative systems and record types. Understanding shifts in nobility, land ownership, and religious changes (such as the Lutheran Reformation) is essential for locating and interpreting family records.
Rich Archives and Online Resources
The State Archive in Schwerin and the State Church Archive are central repositories for vital, church, census, and emigration records. Many collections are digitized and accessible via FamilySearch, Ancestry, MyHeritage, and ARCHION, but researchers should remember that only about 10% of German records are online—making archive visits or professional assistance indispensable.
Unique Record Sets and Societies
Mecklenburg stands out for its early and repeated censuses (beginning in 1819), extensive emigration files, and local heritage books (Ortsfamilienbücher) that compile parish and census data into searchable family histories. Local genealogical societies further support research with specialized databases on mobile professions like shepherds and estate workers.
To fully benefit from Bentschneider’s expertise and explore examples of records, maps, and strategies demonstrated during the session, viewing the complete webinar is highly recommended. Doing so will provide hands-on familiarity with the sources and a clearer understanding of how to navigate Mecklenburg’s distinctive genealogical landscape.
For those eager to dig deeper, the syllabus accompanying this webinar offers additional resources, databases, and archival contacts that extend beyond the presentation. Genealogists are encouraged to download it and use it as a guide to unlock the wealth of information hidden in Mecklenburg’s historical records.
Facebook
X
Syllabus
learned something new
The speaker opened up so many doors and possibilities for us and clues to do additional research, that I would like to book a plane ticket to Germany this Fall.
Very very excellent, always such a pleasure to learn from Andrea’s performances. I found the detailed information on how to use the various links within the local heritage books to be most helpful – walking through the Ortsfamilienbucher features was so educational.
So much great information. I have relatives that came via Hamburg – did not think of searching in Mecklenburg – but now I will. Really enjoyed.
I haven’t seen it all yet, but what I did see was wonderful and getting me excited to delve in to my genealogy again
So much interesting information!
Very helpful webinar.
Lots of great information.